Hamilton man detained by US immigration authorities after three-decade pursuit
A man sought by Hamilton police in relation to an alleged child sexual assault has been arrested in California and is now in the custody of United States immigration officials, authorities in the US and Canada confirmed this week.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s San Francisco office said the detainee is Charles Peter Billone, aged 64, who was located and arrested in Santa Cruz, California. According to the US agency, Billone had been living as a fugitive from Canada since the early 1990s.
Hamilton Police Service has confirmed that the man taken into custody in the US is the same individual wanted in the investigation by the local force. Police said they have been working closely with the Crown Office on the case, although at present there are no extradition proceedings underway.
U.S. immigration officials said Billone had been a "fugitive from Canada since 1991" and is wanted in relation to an alleged sexual assault involving a child.
Custody status and criminal history
US authorities have indicated Billone remains held by ICE while removal proceedings progress. The San Francisco office also noted he has prior convictions for stolen property, assault and drug offences, details of which were provided by the US agency.
Hamilton police did not provide further detail on the investigation or whether charges have been formally laid in Canada; they reiterated their ongoing liaison with the Crown on next steps.
What this means locally
For Hamilton residents, the development marks a significant step in a long-running matter that stretches back more than 30 years. The arrest in the United States may lead to a formal extradition request by Canadian authorities, but that is a separate legal process involving both national governments and the respective judicial systems.
Local policing teams often rely on international co-operation in cases where suspects cross borders. The Hamilton Police Service working with federal prosecutors and foreign agencies is the usual procedure when suspects are located overseas; the current situation follows that pattern although authorities made clear no extradition has yet been initiated.
Known facts at this stage
- Name: Charles Peter Billone
- Age: 64
- Arrest location: Santa Cruz, California
- Wanted since: 1991 (described by US officials as a fugitive from Canada)
- Custody: In ICE custody pending removal proceedings
The office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a photograph of the arrested man and made the initial public statement about the detention on social media in early August. Global News reported that the arrest took place on or before 4 August, according to the US agency’s post.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Identity | Charles Peter Billone |
| Age | 64 |
| Location of arrest | Santa Cruz, California |
| Status | In ICE custody; removal proceedings pending |
Next steps
Any progression to extradition would involve formal requests and judicial consideration in the United States, and then separate proceedings in Canada. Hamilton police indicated they continue to work with the Crown Office; they have not disclosed whether charges are already filed or the timeline for possible court action.
Residents seeking further information should follow statements from the Hamilton Police Service and public releases by federal authorities. Given the sensitivity of the matter it is likely authorities will withhold certain details while legal processes proceed.
This office will continue to monitor the case and report updates as they are confirmed by Hamilton police, the Crown Office or US authorities.
